OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHNAABEG PEOPLE — The Green Party of Canada is celebrating a historic milestone in reconciliation and political inclusivity, as the Saskatchewan Green Party (SGP) fields a nearly full slate of 58 candidates in the 2024 Saskatchewan General Election, 27 of whom are Indigenous or Métis. This unprecedented achievement underscores the SGP’s commitment to centring Indigenous voices and perspectives on political decision-making, which is a critical step towards true reconciliation.
“This is a groundbreaking moment not only for Saskatchewan but for the entire country,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “The Saskatchewan Greens and their leader, Naomi Hunter, have shown that by making a sincere commitment to the Rights of Mother Earth and rebuilding policies around Indigenous values, we can create a political space where Indigenous people feel empowered to step up and lead. This is reconciliation in action.”
The decision to place Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship at the heart of SGP’s platform follows a year of consultation and rewriting the party’s policy and procedure book around the Rights of Mother Earth. This process was guided by the teachings and advice of the Sovereign Indigenous People Advisory Council (SIPAC), which the Saskatchewan Greens credit for helping them walk this path of respect and mutual learning.
In a province with stark racial disparities in positions of power, as outlined in a 2016 Maclean’s report that found only 4.5% of Saskatchewan’s most powerful people were Métis or First Nations, the SGP’s achievements stand out. The SGP candidates often come from lower economic brackets and operate with significantly fewer financial resources compared to larger parties, making this milestone even more extraordinary.
Despite these financial constraints, including a recent hike in candidate nomination fees from $100 to $500, the SGP has remained steadfast in its mission. “The roadblocks placed in front of candidates from smaller parties like ours only reinforce the structural inequalities that exist within our political system,” said Elizabeth May. “Yet, the Saskatchewan Greens have persisted, and their success is a testament to their resilience and commitment to inclusivity.”
The Saskatchewan Green Party’s slate of candidates reflects a new direction in politics—one that genuinely listens to and elevates Indigenous voices, seeks to uphold the treaties, and moves toward recognizing the original governance of Tribal Clans as equals.
We are proud of the Saskatchewan Green Party’s efforts and dedication to amplifying Indigenous leadership. This is the future of politics in Canada—one that honors and upholds the rights and governance of Indigenous peoples while working together for the well-being of all.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021